Docking device comprising two coupling closures for the environmentally sealed transfer of bulk material, having at least one locking unit

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a docking device for transferring the contents of, filling, and/or emptying containers, comprising first and second coupling closures flushly applicable or positioned flush to one another via the respective closing sides thereof. The docking device is equipped with at least one locking unit suitable for locking the pipe socket of the first and second coupling closure, said locking unit comprising at least one movable first locking means present in a passage having an opening to the exterior of the second coupling closure, particularly in the form of a ball, and being suitable to cooperate with a corresponding second locking means present on the exterior of the pipe socket of the second coupling closure. The docking device further comprises a pin movable in a cylinder, said pin comprising a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter that is less than the diameter of the first section.

The present invention relates to a docking device in particular for the environmentally insulated refilling, filling and/or emptying of containers, comprising first and second coupling latches which can be laid or which lie flush with each other over their respective latch sides, and at least one locking unit which is suitable for the reversible locking of said coupling latches.

For the contamination-free transfer of bulk goods such as from interim or end products, in particular in the pharmaceutical or food industry, an increased use of suitable docking devices is used such as those described in EP 1 083 137 A1, EP 1 315 662 A1, EP 1 313 658 A1 and EP 554 096 A1. The systems used for this purpose are based on the use of two coupling latches which are equipped with so-called (circular) semi or closing flaps, which when brought into contact with each other can be rotated around a shared axis, while the transfer channel is released or locked. In order to achieve a particularly high degree of freedom from contamination, it is not only important that the closing flaps present in the pipe nozzles guarantee a completely sealed locking, but also that the coupling latches which form the docking device are connected to each other in a firm and in particular, sealed manner during the entire transfer procedure. In particular, during the transfer of bulk goods, the docked-on state of the two coupling latches may not be lifted, including from external mechanical influences or by the transfer of bulk goods itself. For this purpose, locking units are regularly provided which firmly press together the pipe nozzles of the coupling latches which form the docking device or their seals, and hold them in this position for the entire duration of the transfer of the bulk goods. For example according to an embodiment variant known from the prior art, the docked-on coupling latches can be bolted together. Furthermore, for example bayonet latches can be provided which can be operated hydraulically.

The locking systems for the above-named docking devices which are known from the prior art are either cumbersome and time-intensive to operate, or technically complex. A further disadvantage is that locking units for docking devices known from the prior art are “propped on” as external components, and accordingly are not protected against damage while the coupling latches or the docking device are being handled.

It would therefore be desirable to be able to resort to locking units for docking devices which do not suffer from the disadvantages of the prior art, and which furthermore guarantee on a sustained basis a reliable and safe transfer of bulk goods.

For this reason, the object of the present invention was to make available docking devices containing at least one locking unit, which do not suffer from the disadvantages of the prior art and which in particular can be reliably operated in continuous operation, which offer no contact surfaces for external damage, and which reversibly connect to each other the coupling latches which form the docking device in a technically simple manner, while at the same time with a reliable seal.

Accordingly, a docking device in particular for the environmentally insulated refilling, filling and/or emptying of containers has been found (also referred to as the first embodiment of the device), comprising first and second coupling latches which can be laid or which lie flush with each other over their respective latch sides, wherein the docking device is equipped with at least one locking unit which is suitable for locking the pipe nozzles from the first and second coupling latch, comprising at least one movable first arresting means which is present in a passage with an opening to the outer side of the second coupling latch, in particular in the form of a ball, which is suitable for interaction with the corresponding second arresting means which are present on the outer side of the pipe nozzle of the second coupling latch, and a bolt which is movable in a cylinder with a first section with a first diameter, a second section with a second diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first section, and if appropriate, a third transfer section between the first and the second section with a tapering diameter, wherein the passage opens out to the side into the cylinder and is of a length which is less than the diameter of the first arresting means, so that when the side surface of the first section is in contact with the movable first arresting means, these arresting means interact with the corresponding second arresting means on the outer side of the pipe nozzle of the second coupling latch, while locking the first and second coupling latch, and that when the movable first arresting means are adjacent to the side surface of the second or if appropriate, the third section of the bolt, the pipe nozzles from the first and second coupling latch are no longer lockable or are not locked against each other.

The object of the invention is furthermore attained by means of a docking device in particular for the environmentally insulated refilling, filling and/or emptying of containers (also referred to as the second embodiment of the invention), comprising first and second coupling latches which can be laid or which lie flush with each other over their respective latch sides, wherein the first and/or second coupling latch, in particular on its outer side, has at least one centring pin, and wherein the second or first coupling latch, in particular on its outer side, has at least one centring opening which corresponds to the centring pin, in particular a centring element, which when they grip each other centres the first and second coupling latch, in particular in a coupled state, wherein the docking device is equipped with at least one locking unit is suitable for locking the pipe nozzles from the first and second coupling latch, comprising

in at least one centring pin of the first and/or second coupling latch

a) at least one first movable arresting means which is present in a passage with an opening towards the outer side of the centring pin, in particular in the form of a ball, suitable in particular for the form-fit, locking interaction with a centring opening, in particular with the edge of the centring opening, of the corresponding second or first coupling latch, and b) a bolt which is movable at least in sections in the cylinder present in the centring pin with a first section with a first diameter, a second section with a second diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first section, and if appropriate, a third transfer section between the first and the second section with a tapering diameter, wherein the passage opens out to the side into the cylinder and is of a length which is less than the diameter of the first arresting means, so that when the side surface of the first section is in contact with the movable first arresting means, these arresting means interact with the centring opening, in particular with the edge of the centring opening of the second or first coupling latch, while locking the first and second coupling latch, and that when the movable first arresting means is adjacent to the side surface of the second or if appropriate, the third section of the bolt, the pipe nozzles from the first and second coupling latch are no longer lockable or are not locked to each other.

According to a further development of this second embodiment of a docking device according to the invention, it can be provided that when the side surface of the first section of the bolt is in contact with the movable first arresting means, these arresting means interact with the centring opening of the second coupling latch in such a manner while locking the first and second coupling latch that the first arresting means with a corresponding second arresting means which is present in and/or on a wall, in particular the inner side, of the centring opening of the second coupling latch, locks the first and the second coupling latch, in particular in a form-fit manner.

With both the first and the second embodiment of the invention, the first and second coupling device can in each case be equipped with a latch side and a container side, and in each case comprise a pipe nozzle and a closing flap which is supported around an axis in said pipe nozzle in such a manner that it can be pivoted, containing an outer side which faces the latch side in the closed position, wherein on at least one side, in particular on both sides, the closing flap is present along the axis with a partial shaft or partial shaft stump in an open position facing the latch side in each case, wherein the partial shafts or partial shaft stumps of the first coupling latch are suitable for forming a shaft or a shaft stump when in contact with complementary partial shafts or partial shaft stumps of the second coupling latch, wherein the outer sides of the closing flaps of the first and second coupling latch rest on each other or can be brought to rest on each other, and when resting on each other can be reversibly pivoted around a shared axis into an open position out of a closing position in which they close the transfer channel which is formed by the pipe nozzle of the first coupling latch and the pipe nozzle of the second coupling latch.

Suitable docking devices and coupling latches are for example those described in EP 1 083 137 A1, EP 1 315 662 A1, EP 1 313 658 A1 and EP 554 096 A1, to the extent that these comprise a locking unit which is provided for the docking device according to the invention. The docking device according to the invention thus also comprises all docking systems which are based on the use of so-called butterfly valves.

The first arresting means of the locking unit is preferably a ball. This first arresting means can naturally also be formed from two or more movable units, e.g. balls, which are connected to each other or which interact with each other. The second arresting means on the outer side of the pipe nozzle is preferably designed in such a manner that it interacts with the movable first arresting means in such a manner that a movement invariant second coupling latch results. For example, the second arresting means can be a protrusion on the outer side of the pipe nozzle which if appropriate runs around the circumference. In addition or as an alternative, an inlet or recess in the outer wall of the pipe nozzle, into which the movable first arresting means grips, in particular in a flush manner, in order to thus affix the second coupling latch.

According to a further development, it can be provided that the docking device has two or more locking units. Here, two locking units, which are essentially arranged opposite each other, are sufficient on a regular basis for a reliable locking of two coupling latches of a docking device. The locking units are in a fixed position or can be brought into a fixed position relative to the locking coupling latches, so that e.g. an unlocking as a result of simple displacement or repositioning to the side of the locking units or coupling latches is prevented.

Docking devices according to the invention can furthermore comprise a docking platform, also referred to as a docking working platform. This is generally a ring-shaped structure or housing with an inner diameter which is slightly larger than that of the coupling latches, and into which the first coupling latch of the docking device can be inserted or suspended. A docking platform of this type accordingly has support plates or collars for the coupling latch or docking device. The docking platforms used here accordingly preferably comprise at least one, in particular at least two locking units, as described above.

Here, it can in particular be provided that the pipe nozzle of the first coupling lock is equipped on its outer side with a third arresting means for the purpose of resting on or arresting with a fourth arresting means of the locking unit or of a docking platform, e.g. in the form of a support plate. The distance between the second and the third arresting means of the second or first coupling latch is preferably set in such a manner that when the fourth arresting means is placed onto or interacts with the their arresting means, the first arresting means interacts with the second arresting means in such a manner that the first and the second coupling latch are in a fixed position in relation to each other.

According to an embodiment of the docking device according to the invention, the locking unit comprises a ball locking bolt device, or represents such a device.

Suitable docking devices can for example be based on the use of two coupling latches, with which one takes the form of a support plate, a so-called active flap, and the other takes the form of a so-called passive flap. Coupling latches are then regularly referred to as active flaps when this coupling latch is connected or is connectable to a drive for the rotatably supported closing flap. Passive flaps consequently comprise such coupling latches which are not equipped with a drive of this type. Coupling latches in the form of passive flaps or their closing flaps are moved around a shared axis when in resting on each other, or when in a coupled state by the closing flap of the active flap which is in contact with them.

Alternatively, the docking device can naturally also be formed from two coupling latches in the form of active flaps, i.e. both coupling latches are separately connected to a rotary drive in each case.

According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the partial shafts or partial shaft stumps of the first and the second coupling latch are equipped with at least one engagement element into which a complementary engagement element which is or can be actively connected to a drive, can be inserted. With the aforementioned embodiment, both coupling latches or the closing flaps of both coupling latches of a docking device are rotated by means of a shared drive around a shared axis. Here, both closing flaps are subjected to a torque, preferably in the same manner. A differentiation in the active and passive flap is not possible with this embodiment. Accordingly it can here be provided that the partial shafts or partial shaft stumps of the first and second coupling latch can be pivoted around a shared axis to form a shaft or shaft stump in the bearings formed by the semi-bearing seats of the first and second coupling latch. An embodiment of this type is also advantageously characterized by the fact that the engagement elements of the partial shafts or partial shaft stumps which form a shaft or shaft stump form a uniform engagement element for a corresponding engagement element of a drive shaft, in particular in the form of a groove or a pin. The embodiment described above of a docking device according to the invention preferably has at least one drive shaft, or a shaft which can preferably be actively connected to a drive, which is equipped with at least one engagement element which is complementary to at least one engagement element of the first or second coupling latch, in particular, to the uniform engagement element of the first and second coupling latch, so that when these engagement elements which are complementary to each other engage, the closing flaps which rest on each other can be pivoted by means of the drive.

Finally, the object on which the invention is based is attained by means of a centring pin for centring two coupling latches which form a docking device in particular for the environmentally insulated refilling, filling and/or emptying of containers, characterized by

a) at least one movable first arresting means which is present in a passage with an opening towards the outer side of the centring pin, in particular in the form of a ball, which is suitable in particular for a form-fit, locking interaction with a corresponding arresting means, and b) a bolt which is movable in a cylinder which is present in the centring pin with a first section with a first diameter, a second section with a second diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first section, and a third transfer section between the first and the second section with a tapering diameter, wherein the passage opens out to the side into the cylinder and is of a length which is less than the diameter of the first arresting means, so that when the side surface of the first section is in contact with the movable first arresting means, these arresting means can be partially pulled out of the opening. This centring pin is preferably a component of coupling latches, in particular of butterfly valves, and as well as centring, also serves to lock coupling latches in docking devices in particular for the environmentally insulated transfer of bulk goods.

The present invention was based on the surprising discovery that the two coupling latches which form a docking device can be locked in a particularly reliable and technically elegant and simple manner when on the outer side of the coupling latches or the outer side of the pipe nozzles of these coupling latches, at least one, in particular, at least two locking units, as defined above, are used. These locking units can simply be integrated into a docking platform or housing of such a docking platform, so that damage no longer occurs as a result of outer influences, such as during handling or when inserting the coupling latches into the docking platform. Additionally, the locking unit of the docking device according to the invention requires a lesser number of individual components, which also, even in continuous operation, are not exposed or subjected to any particular degree of wear, so that a low-maintenance and at the same time, reliable operation can be guaranteed.

Further advantages, features and application opportunities of the present invention are explained in the following description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the appended drawings, in which

FIG. 1: shows a schematic cross-section drawing through a section of the docking device according to the invention, containing a first embodiment of a locking unit,

FIG. 2: shows a schematic cross-section through a section of the docking device according to the invention, containing an alternative, second embodiment of a locking unit.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic detail of a docking device 1 according to the invention, containing a first coupling latch 3 and a second coupling latch 5. The semi-flaps or closing flaps 7 and 9 of the first a second coupling latch 3 and 5 rest on each other while closing the transfer channel 11, which is formed by the two pipe nozzles 13 and 15 of the first and second coupling lock. The tightness of the docking device 1 when docked or coupled is guaranteed by the pipe nozzle seals 17 and 19 of the first and second coupling latch which rest on each other. On the outer sides 21 or 23 of the pipe nozzles 13, 15 of the first and second coupling latch 3 or 5, third and second holding or arresting elements 25 or 27 are provided. The locking unit 29 is in the embodiment shown a component of a docking working platform 31 for a docking device 1. The first and the second coupling lock can be inserted into the docking working platform 31, as is shown in FIG. 1. Here, the third holding element 25 comes to rest on the outer side 21 of the pipe nozzle 13 of the first coupling latch 3 on a protrusion 33 (fourth arresting element) of the locking unit 29 or the docking working platform 31. In one embodiment, the third holding element 25 can run around the full circumference of the pipe nozzle 13. In the same manner, the protrusion 33 can run around the circumference on the inner side of the docking working platform 31. Naturally, only two, four or more separate holding elements 25 (third arresting means) or protrusions 33 (fourth arresting element) which correspond to them can also be provided. The locking unit 29 furthermore has a piston 37 which is movable in a cylinder 35, which has two sections 39 and 41 with a different diameter, which are connected to each other via a transfer section 43 with a tapering diameter. Furthermore, the locking unit has a ball 45 (first arresting means) which is actively connected to the piston 37. This ball 45 is present in a channel 47 which extends to the side from the cylinder 35, which has an opening 49 on the side facing towards the outer side 23 of the pipe nozzle 15, which enables a partial but not complete outlet of the ball 45. The channel 47 in which the ball 45 is present has a width b which is lower than the diameter of the ball, so that when the piston section 39 with the larger diameter is adjacent to the ball, the ball is partially pushed out of the opening 49 and held immovably in this position. In this position, the ball 45 interacts with the second arresting element 27 on the outer side 23 of the second coupling latch 5 with the result that the pipe nozzles 13 and 15 or the pipe nozzle end seals 17 and 19 are pressed against each other by the first and second coupling lock 3 and 5 and arrested. Only when the piston 37 is again moved upwards in the cylinder 35 (see arrow) is the ball 45 released for a movement in the channel or passage 47 in the direction of the cylinder 35, so that the second coupling latch 5 can be adopted by the first coupling latch 3. The piston 37 can for example by driven pneumatically.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a locking unit 29. In contrast to the variant shown in FIG. 1, no arresting element is present in the form of a protrusion 27; to a far greater degree, the ball 45 grips in a recess 51 which is present in the outer wall 21 of the first coupling latch, which essentially adopts the form of the ball and accordingly has a similar or identical radius or curve. Due to the fact that when the piston 37 is moved downwards (see arrow), the ball is forced by the section 39 with the larger diameter out of the side channel 47, an interaction occurs with the recess 51 on the outer side 23 of the pipe nozzle 15, which holds the pipe nozzles of the first and second coupling latch 3 and 5 or their pipe nozzle seals 17 and 19 pressed against each other. The lower holding or arresting unit is not shown in the section shown in FIG. 2 of the docking device 1 according to the invention, but can for example be designed in precisely the same manner as that shown in FIG. 1.

The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, in the claims and in the drawings can be essential both individual and in any combination required in order to realise the invention in its different embodiments. 

1. A docking device for refilling, filling, and/or emptying of containers, comprising: first and second coupling latches that can be laid or which lie flush with each other over their along respective latch sides, wherein each of the first and second coupling latches includes a pipe nozzle; and at least one locking unit configured for locking together the pipe nozzles of the first and second coupling latches, wherein the at least one locking unit includes: at least one movable first arresting element that is present in a passage that has an opening to an outer side of the second coupling latch, wherein the first arresting element is configured to interact with a corresponding second arresting element that is present on an outer side of the pipe nozzle of the second coupling latch, and a bolt that is movable in a cylinder, wherein the bolt has a first section with a first diameter, a second section with a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the first section, and a third transfer section between the first and the second section with a tapering diameter, wherein the passage opens out to the outer side of the second coupling latch and into the cylinder and is of a length that is less than a diameter of the first arresting element, so that when a side surface of the first section of the bolt is in contact with the movable first arresting element, the movable first arresting element interacts with the corresponding second arresting element on the outer side of the pipe nozzle of the second coupling latch and locks the first and second coupling latches together, and when the movable first arresting element is adjacent to a side surface of the second or third section of the bolt, the pipe nozzles of the first and second coupling latches are no longer lockable or are not locked against each other.
 2. The docking device according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second coupling latches are in each case equipped with a latch side and a container side, and in each case the first and second coupling latches further comprise a closing flap that is supported around an axis in said pipe nozzle in such a manner that the closing flap is pivotable about the axis, the closing flap containing an outer side which faces the latch side in a closed position, wherein on at least one side along the axis, the closing flap has a partial shaft or partial shaft stump in an open position facing the latch side, wherein the partial shaft or partial shaft stump of the first coupling latch is configured to form a shaft or a shaft stump when in contact with a complementary partial shaft or partial shaft stump of the second coupling latch, and wherein the outer sides of the closing flaps of the first and second coupling latches rest on each other or can be brought to rest on each other, and, when resting on each other, the closing flaps can be reversibly pivoted around a shared axis between an open position and the closed position in which the closing flaps close the transfer channel that is formed by the pipe nozzle of the first coupling latch and the pipe nozzle of the second coupling latch.
 3. A docking device for refilling, filling, and/or emptying of containers, comprising: first and second coupling latches that can be laid or which lie flush with each other along respective latch sides, wherein each of the first and second coupling latches includes a pipe nozzle; and at least one locking unit configured for reversible locking of said first and second coupling latches, wherein the first or second coupling latch has at least one centering pin, and the other of the second or first coupling latch has at least one centering opening that corresponds to the centering pin, which, when they grip each other, centers the first and second coupling latches in a coupled state, wherein the at least one locking unit is configured for locking together the pipe nozzles of the first and second coupling latches, the at least one locking unit comprising: at least one first movable arresting element that is present in a passage that has an opening towards an outer side of the centering pin, wherein the first arresting element is configured for locking interaction with the centering opening, and a bolt that is movable at least in sections in a cylinder present in the centering pin, wherein the bolt has a first section with a first diameter, a second section with a second diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the first section, and a third transfer section between the first and the second section with a tapering diameter, wherein the passage opens out to the outer side of the centering pin and into the cylinder and is of a length that is less than a diameter of the first arresting element, so that when a side surface of the first section of the bolt is in contact with the movable first arresting element, the first arresting element interacts with the centering opening and locks the first and second coupling latches together, and when the movable first arresting element is adjacent to a side surface of the second or third section of the bolt, the pipe nozzles of the first and second coupling latches are no longer lockable or are not locked to each other.
 4. The docking device according to claim 3, wherein the first and second coupling latches are in each case equipped with a latch side and a container side, and in each case the first and second coupling latches comprise a closing flap that is supported around an axis in said pipe nozzle in such a manner that the closing flap is pivotable about the axis, the closing flap containing an outer side which faces the latch side in a closed position, wherein on at least one side, along the axis, the closing flap has a partial shaft or partial shaft stump in an open position facing the latch side, wherein the partial shaft or partial shaft stump of the first coupling latch is configured to form a shaft or a shaft stump when in contact with a complementary partial shaft or partial shaft stump of the second coupling latch, and wherein the outer sides of the closing flaps of the first and second coupling latches rest on each other or can be brought to rest on each other, and when resting on each other, the closing flaps can be reversibly pivoted around a shared axis between an open position and the closed position in which the closing flaps close the transfer channel that is formed by the pipe nozzle of the first coupling latch and the pipe nozzle of the second coupling latch.
 5. The docking device according to claim 3, wherein when the side surface of the first section of the bolt is in contact with the movable first arresting element, the first arresting element interacts with the centering opening of the second coupling latch in such a manner while locking the first and second coupling latch that the first arresting element interacts with a corresponding second arresting element which is present in and/or on a wall of the centering opening of the second coupling latch, locking together the first and the second coupling latches.
 6. The docking device according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the docking device has two or more locking units.
 7. The docking device according to claim 6, wherein two locking units are arranged essentially opposite each other with respect to the first and second coupling latches.
 8. The docking device according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the locking unit comprises a ball locking bolt device.
 9. The docking device according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the first coupling latch includes an active closing flap and the second coupling latch includes a passive closing flap.
 10. The docking device according to claim 2 or claim 4, wherein the partial shafts or partial shaft stumps of the first and the second coupling latches are equipped with at least one engagement element into which a complementary engagement element, which is or can be actively connected to a drive, can be inserted.
 11. The docking device according to claim 10, wherein the partial shafts or partial shaft stumps of the first and second coupling latches can be pivoted around the shared axis to form the shaft or shaft stump in the bearings formed by semi-bearing seats of the first and second coupling latches.
 12. The docking device according to claim 10, wherein the engagement elements of the partial shafts or partial shaft stumps which form the shaft or shaft stump form a uniform engagement element for a corresponding engagement element of a drive shaft.
 13. The docking device according to claim 10, further comprising at least one drive shaft, or a shaft that can be actively connected to the drive, which is equipped with at least one engagement element that is complementary to the at least one engagement element of the first or second coupling latches so that when these engagement elements which are complementary to each other engage, the closing flaps which rest on each other can be pivoted by the drive.
 14. The docking device according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the opening of the passage is dimensioned such that the first arresting element can only be partially pushed out of said opening.
 15. The docking device according to claim 1 or claim 3, further comprising a docking platform that is configured to hold the first coupling latch.
 16. The docking device according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the pipe nozzle of the first coupling latch is equipped on its outer side with a third arresting element configured to rest or interact with a fourth arresting element of the locking unit or of a docking platform.
 17. The docking device according to claim 15, wherein the docking platform comprises at least partially the at least one locking unit. 18-19. (canceled) 